Mountain Bike Monday - Ride and Run

On Saturday morning, we woke bright and early to meet up with MBM and another guy at the Park for a ride on the Lakeview Trails. Our newest addition to the trio, making us a quartet for the day, was warned beforehand that it wasn't going to be a race. He said he didn't mind going at a social pace! Now...keep in mind that it was a social pace for the guys, but for me there wasn't much talking going on. I know that's hard to believe...me not talking, but there's not much chance of me being able to speak when I'm huffing and puffing up the hills (with no gears remember?).

The ride was a good one. The trails were really crunchy and frozen. The temperature read about 30 degrees when we started! I felt really good. My legs did take a while to warm up. We did have a little technical difficulty with Spot. The trails were a nice change after having riden on the fireroads for a couple of weeks. I think it's good to get in different kinds of rides. Each different route we take challenges us differently. MBM and the "other guy" (we will call him this since he didn't authorize me to use his name on the blog) even saw a coyote! Dynamo and I were a little ways behind, so we missed it.

After we finished Lakeview, Dynamo kept on riding and the rest of us went on our way back to the car. Remember, Dynamo is training for a 100 miler this Spring, so he has to get in some longer training rides. I accompany him for as much of his training as I physically can to keep him company. It's a long time to ride by yourself for 30, 40, 50, or even (I can't imagine) 100 miles!

I used to get so nervous when Dynamo would go out riding. I worried constantly about him. I still worry, but in a different way. Now that i bike, I understand a little better. I understand why he does it. I understand why he loves it. And, I totally respect him for wanting to accomplish so much. I want to encourage him and help him along his way. Together we can accomplish so much more. So, when he says he needs to ride I want him to, with or without me. The "to do" list will always be there waiting, and that doesn't matter. I admire him for aiming high and wanting to do something not many can/will/want to accomplish. I'm just glad that I don't have a couch potato for a husband! He's not only good for his own health, but for mine as well. He inspires me to be better! Everyday!

As for Spot...he's in the shop this week getting new tug nuts! Dynamo worked on him for a long while after we discovered the rear tire had a flat. Because it's a belt drive aligning it all back up can be very trying on your patience. After the ride where we had some issues, we decided to take it into Carytown Bikes for a little tune up and replacement part. So, this is the first time Spot will be away from home visiting with all the other bikes in the shop. I guarantee you he was the only one in the shop with pink grips!

I apologize for the lack of pictures this week. But, I do have this...

What is that you say? Well, we took a trip up to VA Runner in Fredericksburg to get analyzed for the right running shoe. Dynamo had done this before, but I had not. I run a couple times a week to get some cross training in and hopefully to strengthen different leg muscles to maybe help me on the bike.

Lately, I've been having some issues when I run. Dynamo really thought it was because my shoes weren't right. I agreed, so off we went. And, after some analysis and jogs in the parking lot with different shoes, I ended up with these...

They are Nike Vomeros. They fit really well. I never thought I'd have a pair of Nikes as my top choice, as I've been an Asics fan, but these just felt so good. So, I'll report in after my first run how we did.

It's really important to have the right shoes. I know this. I have avoided the analysis for a long time. I always thought I'd feel awkward running in front of someone while they watched. I know I was self conscious. But, when I got there I saw all different kinds of people...all shapes and sizes, walkers and runners. I felt completely comfortable. I guess all of my life I've struggled with the fact that I didn't really look like a runner. When I started biking I thought the same thing..."I don't look like the other bikers." But, I've gotten over that now. Runners, bikers, swimmers, etc. come in all shapes and sizes. I'm ok with that.

Happy Valentine's Day!